Drive Head for Foundation Support System

ABSTRACT

A foundation support driving apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a drive head which may be coupled to a hydraulic ram assembly for driving a foundation support. The drive head has sleeve plates that form a sleeve through which the foundation support may travel. The sleeve plates also form a pair of opposed yokes. The drive had has a pair of opposed rotating plates that rotate about respective pins positioned in opposed yokes. Gripping portions disposed at the inward ends of the rotating plates are adapted to engage the exterior surface of a foundation support extending through the sleeve. The hydraulic ram assembly rotates the rotating plates back and forth to move the gripping portions into and out of engagement with the foundation support in order to move the foundation support.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to foundation construction and repairand, more particularly, to a drive head for driving pipe in connectionwith an apparatus that is adapted to raise and support foundationstructures.

BACKGROUND

Buildings, including houses, office buildings, strip malls and the like,are often constructed such that a building frame rests on a foundation.Foundation types are generally known and can include concrete slabs,reinforced concrete slabs, pier-and-beam, footings, and other types.Sometimes foundations include structures that are deep enough tocontact, or tie into, solid strata such as bedrock. Other foundationsare made shallow and rest on soil above the bedrock. These foundationsmay include structures, such as concrete slabs for example, thatdistribute the weight of the building across a relatively large area ofthe soil.

Changing soil conditions and/or improper building construction canresult in portions of the building sagging or drooping. This can becaused by parts of the foundation sinking where the soil conditions areinsufficient to support the structure. The sagging and drooping can, inturn, cause damage to the frame, drywall, flooring, plumbing, and othercomponents of the building.

When a foundation structure such as a slab sinks, it becomes necessaryto raise the sinking portion and support it such that it does notre-settle or sink further. Prior techniques have involved jacking up theslab and positioning pilings below the foundation for support. However,the pilings are not in contact with the solid strata, so additionalfoundation sinking can still occur. Additionally, these techniques canbe very expensive and can be visually unpleasing as the repaircomponents such as the pilings are typically visible after the repairwork is completed.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for driving asupport structure, such as a piling, pipe or other structure, into theground. The support structure may be a component of a foundation repairor support system. In some embodiments, the system may include a drivehead that is adapted to grip the support structure such that it may bedriven into the ground. In at least one embodiment, the drive headincludes a pair of rotatable plates, each of which rotates in a verticalplane about a transverse rod. The end of each plate that is distal tothe support structure when engaged by the drive head is adapted toreceive a clevis for connection to a hydraulic arm. The proximal end ofeach plate is formed as a gripping portion. As the distal end of theplate is pulled downward, the plate is rotated about the transverse rodand the gripping portion engages the support structure. Thus, as thedrive head is pulled in a downward motion, the opposed gripping portionsengage the pipe or support structure and pull it downwardly.

In one example, an apparatus is provided for installing a foundationsupport. The apparatus includes a sleeve assembly having a sleeveadapted to receive and guide the foundation support. The apparatus alsoincludes a first rotating plate rotatably coupled to the sleeve assemblyabout a pivot point. The first rotating plate has a first end and asecond end, and the pivot point is located between the first and secondends of the first plate. The first end of the first rotating plate isproximal the sleeve and is adapted to engage an outer surface of thefoundation support. The first rotating plate is operable to be rotatedabout the pivot point in a first rotation direction to engage the firstend of the first rotating plate with the surface of the foundationsupport. The first end of the first rotating plate is adapted to impartmovement of the foundation support in response to movement of theapparatus when the first end of the first rotating plate is engaged withthe surface of the foundation support.

In another example, an apparatus is provided for installing a foundationsupport. The apparatus includes a sleeve assembly having a sleeveadapted to receive and guide the foundation support. The apparatusincludes a first rotating plate rotatably coupled to the sleeve assemblyand having a first end adapted to engage an outer surface of thefoundation support when the first rotating plate is rotated in a firstdirection.

In another example, a method is provided for driving a foundationsupport. One step is disposing the foundation support within a sleeve ofa drive head which is positioned at a first point relative to thefoundation support, and which has at least one rotating plate adapted tobe rotated in a first direction to force an end of the at least onerotating plate against a surface of the foundation support to grip thefoundation support. Another step is rotating the at least one rotatingplate in a first direction to impart engagement of the rotating platewith the foundation support. Another step is moving the drive head in afirst direction to drive the foundation support into strata. Anotherstep is rotating the at least one rotating plate in a second directionto disengage the rotating plate from the surface of the foundationsupport.

One or more of the embodiments may provide some, none, or all of certainof the following advantages. One advantage is that an apparatus isprovided, which may be easily coupled with a foundation support and mayeasily drive the foundation support into strata. Among other things,simplicity is provided in that movement of a driving apparatus in afirst direction may cause the drive head to engage and grip thefoundations support, and additional movement of the driving apparatus inthe same direction moves the gripped foundation support in the samefirst direction. This can be followed by movement of the drivingapparatus in a second direction to disengage the drive head from thefoundation support.

Additional simplicity is realized in that repeated vertical up-and-downmotion of a driving apparatus imparts back-and-forth rotation of opposedrotating plates of a drive head to alternatively engage and disengagefrom a foundation support. During engagement, movement of the drivingapparatus in a first direction automatically engages the drive head withthe foundation support to move the foundation support in the firstdirection. Movement of the driving apparatus in a second directionautomatically disengages the drive head from the foundation support toallow free movement of the drive head relative to the foundationsupport.

Additional simplicity is realized in that a support plate may be coupledto the foundation support and, once the foundation support is driveninto a desired position, the support plate may be coupled to afoundation structure and the drive head and driving apparatus may beeasily removed from foundation support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for driving a foundationsupport structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus fordriving a foundation support structure;

FIG. 3A is an illustration showing a foundation support drivingapparatus in use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is an illustration showing a foundation support drivingapparatus in use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a hydraulic system for actuating a foundationsupport drive apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a drive head for a foundation support drivingapparatus in an engaged position in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5B is a side view of a drive head for a foundation support drivingapparatus in a disengaged position in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a drive head for a foundation support drivingapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a drive head for a foundation supportdriving apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7B is a side view of a drive head for a foundation support drivingapparatus in in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. In summary, thevarious embodiments provide an apparatus for driving a foundationsupport into the ground. The apparatus may have a pair of opposedrotatable plates. Each plate may have an end proximal a sleeve throughwhich the foundation support is guided. Rotation of a given plate abouta pivot point in a first direction of rotation causes the proximal endof that plate to move toward an outer surface of the foundation support.Rotation of the opposed plate in the appropriate direction of rotationabout its pivot point similarly causes its proximal end to move towardthe outer surface of the foundation support. Structures on the proximalends of the opposed plates may thereby engage the outer surface of thefoundation support. When the foundation support is so engaged, theentire apparatus may be moved downwardly. The proximal end structures ofthe rotating plates grip the foundation support and pull the foundationsupport in the same downward direction of movement as the apparatus. Themovement of the apparatus may be accomplished by a pair ofhydraulically-operated arms, each attached to a respective one of therotating plates. The arms may be actuated to pull a second, distal endof each plate to rotate the plates about their respective pivot points.When the arms are hydraulically moved in the opposite direction, themovement imparts an opposite rotation of the plates to disengage theproximal end structures from the foundation support. Then, the apparatusis free to move relative to the foundation support, in an upwarddirection for example, without imparting movement to the foundationsupport.

As shown in FIG. 1, a foundation lifting and support system 100 isprovided. System 100 includes a lifting arm assembly 10. Assembly 10includes a sleeve 12 having a lifting arm 14 connected (e.g., via weld)to an outer surface thereof. A bracket 16 is connected (e.g., via weld)to an outer surface of sleeve 12 and an upper surface of arm 14. Bracket16 may be, for example, an L-shaped bracket. However, other shapes forbracket 16 are contemplated as being within the scope of the inventionand any suitable shape may be employed depending, for instance, on thedesired interaction between bracket 16 and a foundation. Assembly 10also includes a pair of plates 17 a and 17 b, which are connected to,and extend perpendicular to, an outer surface of the vertical portion ofbracket 16. Assembly 10 further includes a pair of mounting plates 18 aand 18 b, which are connected to and extend perpendicular to therespective plates 17 a and 17 b. Each mounting plate 18 a and 18 b hasan opening extending therethrough.

System 100 is shown with a foundation support 40 (partial view). In theillustrated example, foundation support 40 is a pipe or series of pipes.Foundation support 40 may be a pier, column, pile, piling, or othersimilar foundation support structure. As described in further detailherein, foundation support 40 is driven downwardly to interact, abut,rest on, etc. the solid strata underneath the foundation of thebuilding. Foundation support 40 also provides a structure to whichlifting arm assembly 10 may be coupled in order to lift and support afoundation once the foundation support 40 has been driven to its desireddepth. It should be noted that various embodiments may or may notinclude foundation support 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, a drive head 20 is provided for interaction withfoundation support 40. As further illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6,drive head 20 includes a sleeve assembly, which includes a pair of firstsleeve plates 21 a and 21 b. First sleeve plates 21 a and 21 b areconnected (e.g., via a weld) to a pair of second sleeve plates 22 a and22 b to form a sleeve through which foundation support 40 may move. Itshould be noted that the particular configuration of the sleeve is notcritical and drive head 20 may have numerous configurations as long as asleeve is provided through a body structure, or sleeve assembly, ofdrive head 20. Although not required, the sleeve is preferably largeenough to allow movement of foundation support 40 in a relativelyvertical direction, but small enough to provide reasonable transversesupport of foundation support 40.

Drive head 20 further includes first and second rotating plates 26 a and26 b. Together, first and second rotating plates 26 a and 26 b form apair of opposed rotating plates. Preferably, one rotating plate issubstantially identical to the other rotating plate but in a reverse, or“mirror,” orientation. For example, first rotating plate 26 a has afirst, or inward, end proximal foundation support 40 and a second, oroutward, end distal foundation support 40. Second rotating plate 26 bsimilarly has a first, or inward, end proximal foundation support 40 anda second, or outward, end distal foundation support 40.

The distal, or outward, end of each rotating plate is adapted forcoupling to an arm (32 a or 32 b, respectively) of a hydraulic ram unitas described in further detail below. The proximal, or inward, end isformed as a grip portion for engagement with an outer surface of pipeassembly 40. Thus, the proximal end of first rotating plate 26 a isformed as first grip portion 27 a and the proximal end of secondrotating plate 26 b is formed as second grip portion 27 b. In theillustrated embodiment, each grip portion has a partial cylindrical, andconcave, shape such that a surface of the respective grip portion isadapted to fit to a corresponding outer surface of pipe assembly 40 whendrive head 20 is in an engaged position as described herein. The surfaceof the grip portions may be formed with one or more protrusions (notexpressly shown). The protrusions may comprise a series of ridges andvalleys that extend either horizontally (i.e., in the directiongenerally planar to the ground and between the pair of first sleeveplates 21 a and 21 b). Alternatively, the ridges and valleys may extendvertically. In another configuration, the protrusions may compriseteeth, which may be formed as bumps or spikes extending outwardly fromthe respective surfaces of the first and second gripping portions 27 aand 27 b. It should be understood that any suitable type, shape, sizeand/or number of protrusions may be formed in the surface of a grippingportion. The protrusions preferably act to increase the grippingstrength of the gripping portions and create additional friction and/orslip preventions when the gripping portion is engaged with the pipeassembly surface and pulled downwardly as described elsewhere herein. Itshould be noted that while the illustrated embodiment shows the proximalends of the rotating plates to be formed as grip portions, otherconfigurations are contemplated. For example, grip structures may beindependently formed and coupled to the proximal ends of the rotatingplates. The coupling may be accomplished by any suitable techniqueincluding, for example, welds or connectors (e.g., pins, rods, bolts,etc.).

Drive head 20 further includes a pair of pin assemblies 25 a and 25 b.Pin assemblies 25 a and 25 b may have any suitable configuration toallow a plate, through which a portion of a pin assembly extends, torotate about the pin assembly in a relatively vertical plane. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 1, each pin assembly 25 a and 25 b includesat least a pin 71 a and 71 b, respectively, extending between the pairof first sleeve plates 21 a and 21 b. Each pin extends through therespective plate 21 a and 21 b and is anchored in position by a hex nut.Each pin assembly 25 a and 25 b may have a pair of spacers 73 a and 73b, respectively, through which the pins 71 a and 71 b extend. Forexample, a pin 71 a, about which rotating plate 26 a rotates, may have afirst spacer 73 a positioned between first sleeve plate 21 a androtating plate 26 a, and a second spacer 73 b between first secondsleeve plate 21 b and rotating plate 26 a. The spacers 73 a and 73 bkeep the respective rotating plates 26 a and 26 b roughly centeredbetween the pair of first sleeve plates 21 a and 21 b.

The pair of first sleeve plates 21 a and 21 b cooperate to form yokes atboth ends of drive head 20. First and second rotating plates 26 a and 26b fit into the respective yokes and are held in place by the respectivepin assemblies 25 a and 25 b, by virtue of the respective pins 71 a and71 b extending through respective holes in rotating plates 26 a and 26b. Plates 26 a and 26 b are rotatable within the respective yokes, andpreferably in a relatively vertical plane (i.e., in a planesubstantially parallel to a plane defined by either of first sleeveplates 21 a and 21 b).

Arms 32 a and 32 b each have, respectively, a clevis 34 a or 34 bcoupled or attached to an end thereof. Each clevis has a yoke into whichfits the distal end of the respective rotating plate. The rotatingplates 26 a and 26 b are held in their respective clevis yokes by arespective clevis pin 70 a or 70 b. Generally, each clevis pin extendsbetween the first pair of sleeve plates and through a hole in therespective rotating plate. The rotating plates are rotatable about theirrespective clevis pins in the relatively vertical plane.

As a given arm 32 a or 32 b extends, it pushes the distal end of therespective rotating plate in an upward direction. The distal end of therespective rotating plate rotates about its respective clevis pin. Therespective rotating plate similarly rotates about the respective pin 71a or 71 b, thereby forcing a proximal end of the rotating platedownwardly. This causes the respective gripping portions to rotate awayfrom the pipe assembly surface to a position of disengagement (i.e., aposition which allows relative movement of the pipe assembly upwardly ordownwardly without being impeded by a gripping portion of a rotatingplate of the drive head).

Retraction of a given arm 32 a or 32 b causes rotation of the respectiverotating plate in an opposite direction. Thus the distal end of therotating plate is pulled downwardly and the rotating plate rotates aboutboth the clevis pin and the pin extending between the first sleeveplates. This, in turn causes the proximal end of the rotating plate tobe forced upwardly and the gripping portion to be rotated into contact,or engagement, with the surface of the pipe assembly. The compression ofthe gripping portions against the pipe assembly creates a lateral forceto grip the pipe assembly and hold it in position relative to thegripping portions. As the arms 32 a and 32 b retract further, the entiredrive head 20 is pulled downwardly and the gripping portions pull thepipe foundation support 40 downwardly through the sleeve formed in thecenter of the drive head 20. This forces the pipe assembly further intothe ground. Repeated up and down motion of the arms 32 a and 32 brepeats the release, gripping, and downward pulling of the pipe assemblyto drive the pipe assembly further and further into the ground.Preferably the pipe assembly is driven to a point that an end thereofcontacts solid strata (e.g., bedrock).

Once the pipe assembly is in contact with solid strata, it will nolonger move in a downward position. Thus, when the arms 32 a and 32 bretract, the retraction causes the lifting arm assembly 10 to be raisedupwardly along the pipe assembly. This, in turn, lifts the foundationupwardly. The foundation is thereby raised to a desired height. Once thefoundation is at the desired height, the lifting arm assembly may beaffixed (e.g., via a weld) to the pipe assembly to hold the lifting armassembly (and the foundation) in its desired vertical position.

It should be noted that for rotating plates 26 a and 26 b to move intoan engaged position, it is necessary for the gripping portions 27 a and27 b to be able to avoid contact with second sleeve plates 22 a and 22b. This may be achieved by forming the gripping portions below a certainpredetermined point relative to the rotating plates such that when thegripping portions are moved into engagement, they travel below thesecond sleeve plates. Alternatively, slots or partial slots (notexpressly shown) may be formed in the second sleeve plates through whichthe gripping portions may travel. Another alternative configurationinvolves a combination of slots in the second sleeve plates and properpositioning of the gripping portions.

The operation of the hydraulic lifting unit will now be described.Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of hydraulic ram units 30 a and30 b are provided, which are installed between the respective plates 18a and 18 b of the lifting arm assembly 10 and rotating plates 26 a and26 b of drive head 20. A pair of arms 32 a and 32 b extend from the ramunits 30 a and 30 b, it being understood that they are connected topistons which reciprocate in the ram units in response to actuation ofthe units. This reciprocal movement of the pistons causes correspondingmovement of the arms 32 a and 32 b between the extended position shownin FIG. 2 and a retracted position (not expressly shown).

As previously described, a pair of clevises 34 a and 34 b are connectedto the end of the arms 32 a and 32 b, extend over rotating plates 26 aand 26 b, and are connected to the latter plates by a pair of pinassemblies. In a similar manner, a pair of clevises 36 a and 36 b areconnected to the respective ends of the ram units 30 a and 30 b, extendover the plates 18 a and 18 b, and are connected to the latter plates bya pair of bolts.

A foundation support, shown in general by the reference numeral 40, andcomprising a pipe or plurality of pipe segments, extends through thesleeve 12 of the lifting arm assembly 10 and through the sleeve in drivehead 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As previously described, drive head20 can be manually lifted upwardly on the pipe assembly 40 withoutencountering substantial resistance. After connection to the hydraulicram units 30 a and 30 b and the actuation of same to move drive head 20downward, the gripping portions 27 a and 27 b grip the outer surface ofthe foundation support 40 and force it downwardly.

The operation of the lift-and-support apparatus will now be described inadditional detail with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B in connection with ahouse 44 having a corner that has a foundation failure causing acorresponding sinking of this portion of the house and thus requiring itto be raised, leveled and supported. The area around the corner of thefoundation is initially evacuated and the lifting arm assembly 10 isplaced in the evacuated area. Although only one assembly 10 is shown inthe drawing it is understood that, in actual practice, several may beused, depending on the extent of the damage. The lifting arm 14 of eachlifting arm assembly 10 is inserted underneath the house and against thelower surface of the foundation, as shown in FIG. 3A. A section of thefoundation support 40 is then placed in the sleeve 12 of the lifting armassembly 10, and the drive head 20 is placed over the upper portion ofthe pipe assembly. The hydraulic ram units 30 a and 30 b, in theirextended positions, are then installed between the respective plates 18a and 18 b of the lifting arm assembly 10 and the rotating plates 26 aand 26 b of the drive head 20. The ram units 30 a and 30 b are actuatedsimultaneously to cause a retracting motion of their correspondingpistons, and therefore the arms 32 a and 32 b, to rotate the rotatingplates in a direction which rotates the respective gripping portionsinto engagement with the surface of foundation support 40. Drive head 20is then pulled downwardly. As a result, the drive head 20 grips thefoundation support 40 and forces it downwardly into the ground for apredetermined distance. The ram units 30 a and 30 b are thensimultaneously actuated back to their expanded condition. This causesthe reverse rotation of rotating plates 26 a and 26 b, thereby rotatingthe gripping portions 27 a and 27 b away from foundation support 40 andinto a position of disengagement. The drive head 20 is then movedupwardly along foundation support 40 to an upper portion of foundationsupport 40, and the sequence is repeated. During this sequential drivingof the foundation support 40 into the ground, additional pipe segmentsmay be added to the foundation support assembly as needed.

The above procedure is repeated until the lower end portion offoundation support assembly encounters resistance in the ground, whichis usually in the form of bedrock or the like, in which case theaforementioned driving movement is terminated.

After all of the foundation supports 40 have been driven into the groundin the foregoing manner until they encounter resistance, all of the ramunits 30 a and 30 b associated with the pipe assemblies aresimultaneously actuated again to raise the foundation, and therefore thehouse, a predetermined distance which can be, as an example,approximately two to five inches as shown is FIG. 3B. The raising of therespective lifting arm assemblies 10 occurs because the pipe assembliescannot travel further downwardly. Thus, instead of the drive headpulling the pipe assembly downwardly, the drive head remains in positionand the opposite end of the hydraulic unit pulls the lifting armassembly, together with the foundation, upwardly.

After the foundation raising is completed to a point where thefoundation is at the desired height, that portion of each foundationsupport 40 extending within the upper end of its corresponding sleeve 12is affixed (e.g., via welding) to the sleeve. The ram units 30 a and 30b, along with the clamping assemblies 20, are removed from the liftingarm assemblies 10. The foundation supports 40 are then cut at a pointimmediately above the weld between the respective foundation support 40and the sleeve 12. The excavated area around each piling is then filledin and the procedure is complete.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram for the ram units 30 a and 30 b describedabove. Three pairs of the ram units 30 a and 30 b are shownschematically in the drawing, with fluid lines 50 and 52 connecting theupper portions and the lower portions, respectively, of the units. Itshould be understood that the fluid lines 50 and 52 feed fluid into thecylinder of their respective ram units 30 a and 30 b to causecorresponding movement of their pistons, in a conventional manner. Thefluid lines 50 are connected, via lines 54, to a manifold 56, and thefluid lines 52 are connected, via lines 58, to a manifold 60.

The manifolds 56 and 60 are connected, via lines 62 and 64,respectively, to a pump, or compressor 66 which operates to selectivelypump fluid into the manifold 56 and from the manifold 60 and,alternately, into the manifold 60 and from the manifold 56 depending onthe particular stroke of the ram units 30 a and 30 b. Of course, whenthe pump flow is reversed, the fluid flow is reversed to cause movementof the piston portions of the hydraulic jack assemblies in the oppositedirection.

Two additional lines 68 extend from the pump 66 which can feed a pair ofmanifolds (not shown), connected parallel to the manifold 66. As aresult, a total of nine pairs of ram units identical to the units 30 aand 30 b can be actuated at one time in the event that the foundationdamage is extensive and/or extends over a large area.

The various embodiments may result in some, all, or none of varioustechnical advantages. For example, the foundation supports formedaccording to the present invention are supported directly on bedrock,which adds stability to the supporting system. Also, the foundationsupports are relatively strong and invisible after the method iscompleted even though only minimum excavation of the ground surroundingthe foundation is required.

Further, the system of the present invention eliminates the need forhigh pressure ram devices, yet permits all of the foundation supportassemblies associated with the particular foundation to be raised atonce.

It is understood that, although the above example was described inconnection with the foundation of a building, the system of the presentinvention can also be used in an identical manner to raise a concreteslab extending underneath the entire area of a building or a house. Inthe case of a concrete slab, the lifting arm assembly 10 is engagedadjacent an outer edge of the slab in a manner similar to shown in FIG.3A. In the case of damage to, or sinking of, an internal portion of theslab, a hole can be formed through the damaged portion of the slab, thelifting arm assembly 10 can be inserted through the hole, and the arm 14and bracket 16 rotated to extend underneath the slab. Then, the liftingarm assembly 10 can be raised and the portion of the slab supported inthe manner discussed above. Also, the lifting arm assembly 10 can bemodified to provide a pair of diametrically opposed arms 14 and brackets16 extending from the sleeve 12 to facilitate the lifting action of thearm assembly 10.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an alternative drive head assembly 170 isillustrated. Operation of drive head 170 is similar to that alreadydescribed in connection with drive head 20 shown, for example, in FIG.2. Drive head 170 is provided for interaction with foundation support40. Drive head 170 includes a sleeve assembly, which includes a pair offirst sleeve plates 171 a and 171 b. First sleeve plates 171 a and 171 bare connected (e.g., via a weld) to a pair of second sleeve plates 172 aand 172 b to form a sleeve through which foundation support 40 may move.It should be noted that the particular configuration of the sleeve isnot critical and drive head 170 may have numerous configurations as longas a sleeve is provided through a body structure, or sleeve assembly, ofdrive head 170. Although not required, the sleeve is preferably largeenough to allow movement of foundation support 40 in a relativelyvertical direction, but small enough to provide reasonable transversesupport of foundation support 40.

Drive head 170 further includes first and second rotating plates 176 aand 176 b. Together, first and second rotating plates 176 a and 176 bform a pair of opposed rotating plates. Preferably, one rotating plateis substantially identical to the other rotating plate but in a reverse,or “mirror,” orientation. For example, first rotating plate 176 a has afirst, or inward, end proximal foundation support 40 and a second, oroutward, end distal foundation support 40. Second rotating plate 176 bsimilarly has a first, or inward, end proximal foundation support 40 anda second, or outward, end distal foundation support 40.

The distal, or outward, end of each rotating plate is adapted forcoupling to an arm of a hydraulic ram unit as previously described inconnection with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. The proximal, orinward, end is formed as a grip portion for engagement with an outersurface of pipe assembly 40. Thus, the proximal end of first rotatingplate 176 a is formed as first grip portion 177 a and the proximal endof second rotating plate 176 b is formed as second grip portion 177 b.In the illustrated embodiment, each grip portion has a partialcylindrical, and concave, shape such that a surface of the respectivegrip portion is adapted to fit to a corresponding outer surface of pipeassembly 40 when drive head 170 is in an engaged position as describedherein. The surface of the grip portions may be formed with one or moreprotrusions (not expressly shown). The protrusions may comprise a seriesof ridges and valleys that extend either horizontally (i.e., in thedirection generally planar to the ground and between the pair of firstsleeve plates 171 a and 171 b). Alternatively, the ridges and valleysmay extend vertically. In another configuration, the protrusions maycomprise teeth, which may be formed as bumps or spikes extendingoutwardly from the respective surfaces of the first and second gripportions 177 a and 177 b. It should be understood that any suitabletype, shape, size and/or number of protrusions may be formed in thesurface of a gripping portion. The protrusions preferably act toincrease the gripping strength of the gripping portions and createadditional friction and/or slip preventions when the gripping portion isengaged with the pipe assembly surface and pulled downwardly asdescribed elsewhere herein. It should be noted that while theillustrated embodiment shows the proximal ends of the rotating plates tobe formed as grip portions, other configurations are contemplated. Forexample, grip structures may be independently formed and coupled to theproximal ends of the rotating plates. The coupling may be accomplishedby any suitable technique including, for example, welds or connectors(e.g., pins, rods, bolts, etc.).

Drive head 170 further includes a pair of pin assemblies 175 a and 175b. Pin assemblies 175 a and 175 b may have any suitable configuration toallow a plate, through which a portion of a pin assembly extends, torotate about the pin assembly in a relatively vertical plane. In theillustrated example, each pin assembly 175 a and 175 b includes at leasta pin 71 a and 71 b, respectively, extending between the pair of firstsleeve plates 171 a and 171 b. Each pin extends through the respectiveplate 171 a and 171 b and is anchored in position by a hex nut. Each pinassembly 175 a and 175 b may have a pair of spacers 173 a and 173 b,respectively, through which the pins 71 a and 71 b extend. For example,a pin 71 a, about which rotating plate 176 a rotates, may have a firstspacer 173 a positioned between first sleeve plate 171 a and rotatingplate 176 a, and a second spacer 173 b between first second sleeve plate171 b and rotating plate 176 a. The spacers 173 a and 173 b keep therespective rotating plates 176 a and 176 b roughly centered between thepair of first sleeve plates 171 a and 171 b.

The pair of first sleeve plates 171 a and 171 b cooperate to form yokesat both ends of drive head 170. First and second rotating plates 176 aand 176 b fit into the respective yokes and are held in place by therespective pin assemblies 175 a and 175 b, by virtue of the respectivepins 71 a and 71 b extending through respective holes in rotating plates176 a and 176 b. Plates 176 a and 176 b are rotatable within therespective yokes, and preferably in a relatively vertical plane (i.e.,in a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by either of firstsleeve plates 171 a and 171 b).

It should be noted that drive head 170 is similar to drive head 20illustrated in FIG. 2. However, there are some variations. For example,second sleeve plates 172 a and 172 b extend only partially, in thevertical direction, between the upper and lower edges of first sleeveplates 171 a and 171 b. As shown, second sleeve plates 172 a and 172 bare even with first sleeve plates 171 a and 171 b at the upper edge.Second sleeve plates 172 a and 172 b then extend downwardly to aposition short of (or above as illustrated) the lower edges of firstsleeve plates 171 a and 171 b. Among other things, this forms a passageor void below the second sleeve plates through which the first andsecond gripping portions 177 a and 177 b may freely travel.

Also, it should be noted that first and second gripping portions 177 aand 177 b have a somewhat different shape than the gripping portionsillustrated in FIG. 2. The gripping portions still have the partialcylindrical feature. However, both upper and lower edges of the grippingportions are substantially horizontal with respect to the ground in thenormal orientation. Said another way, the upper and lower edges of thegripping portions are substantially parallel with the upper and loweredges of all of the sleeve plates. Also, each respective grippingportion preferably has an upper limit at about the vertical midpoint ofa body portion of the respective rotating plate. And, each respectivegripping portion preferably has a lower limit slightly below the lowerlimit of the body portion of the respective rotating plate. Theconfiguration of the gripping portions illustrated in FIGS. 7 a and 7 bprovides for relative ease in forming the gripping portions separatelyfrom the body portions of the rotating plates and then attaching thegripping portions to the rotating plates. However, it should be notedthat the gripping portions and the rotating plates (or body portionsthereof) may be formed as integral units. Also, as illustrated, and aswith the gripping portions shown in FIG. 2, the gripping portions extendlaterally beyond the thickness of the body portions of the respectiverotating plates.

The rotating plates of both drive head 20 and drive head 170 have distalholes (e.g., holes 178 a and 178 b in FIGS. 7A and 7B). These holes maybe elongated. This provides for some lateral movement of the respectiveactuating arms during operation.

Each of the rotating plates shown in FIGS. 7B and 7B also has a recess,179 a and 179 b respectively. Recesses 179 a and 179 b are preferablyformed in the upper vertical half of the respective rotating plate bodyportion so that they are located in the region of the second sleeveplates. Recesses 179 a and 179 b serve to accommodate portions of sleeveplates 172 a and 172 b during rotation of the rotating plates. In otherwords, as the plates are rotated, a portion of each respective sleeveplate 172 a and 172 b (for example, near a lower outward edge, may fitinto the respective recess 179 a or 179 b.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, for example,the drive head device may be operated in a reverse manner. That is, thedrive head device may be used to extract, or lift, a foundation supportstructure. It can be seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B that drive head 220 issimilar in many respects to the assembly illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.However, in this embodiment, drive head 220 includes first and secondrotating plates 226 a and 226 b. Together, first and second rotatingplates 226 a and 226 b form a pair of opposed rotating plates. In thisembodiment, the distal, or outward, end of each rotating plate isadapted for coupling to an arm (32 a or 32 b, respectively) of ahydraulic ram unit. The proximal, or inward, end is formed as a gripportion for engagement with an outer surface of pipe assembly 40. Thus,the proximal end of first rotating plate 226 a is formed as first gripportion 227 a and the proximal end of second rotating plate 226 b isformed as second grip portion 227 b. In comparison to the deviceillustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the grip portions 227 a and 227 b areformed substantially above the rotation points (i.e., at pins 71 a and71 b)) of each rotating plate. Thus, rather than being urged intoengagement with pipe assembly 40 as the hydraulic arms are retracted,the gripping portions 227 a and 227 b are urged against a surface ofpipe assembly 40 when the hydraulic arms 32 a and 32 b are extended.Thus, as the hydraulic arms are extended, the rotating plates rotate toengage the gripping portions with the pipe assembly. As the hydraulicarms are further extended, the pipe assembly is extracted, or lifted,from the strata. After the hydraulic arms are fully extended, they maybe retracted. The rotating plates are each rotated in an oppositerespective direction causing the gripping portions to be rotated awayfrom, and disengaged from, the pipe assembly. The hydraulic arms maycontinue to be retracted to a fully retracted position. Then, thehydraulic arms may be extended again to repeat the process of liftingthe pipe assembly.

It should be understood that FIGS. 1-7 illustrate example embodiments ofthe apparatus and various aspects of the apparatus may be added,eliminated, and/or substituted for those shown. Such modifications maybe made as is desired, suitable, and/or advantageous for performing thefunctionality described herein. Such modifications are within the scopeof the invention.

Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, andmodifications may be ascertained by those skilled in the art and it isintended that the present invention encompass all such changes,substitutions, variations, alterations and modifications as fallingwithin the spirit and scope of this description.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generallyassociated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodimentsand methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,the above description of example embodiments does not define orconstrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterationsare also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure, as defined by the following claims.

1. An apparatus for installing a foundation support, the apparatuscomprising: a sleeve assembly having a sleeve adapted to receive andguide the foundation support, a first rotating plate rotatably coupledto the sleeve assembly about a pivot point, the first rotating platehaving a first end and a second end, the pivot point located between thefirst and second ends of the first plate, the first end of the firstrotating plate being proximal the sleeve, the first end adapted toengage an outer surface of the foundation support, wherein the firstrotating plate is operable to be rotated about the pivot point in afirst rotation direction to engage the first end of the first rotatingplate with the surface of the foundation support, wherein the first endof the first rotating plate is adapted to impart movement of thefoundation support in response to movement of the apparatus when thefirst end of the first rotating plate is engaged with the surface of thefoundation support.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first endcomprises a gripping portion adapted to engage a surface of thefoundation support.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the grippingportion is coupled to the first end.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the gripping portion is integrally formed with the first end. 5.The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the gripping portion has a concavesurface to interact with a convex surface of the foundation support. 6.The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the gripping portion has a distalsurface that matches an outer surface of the foundation support.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein an engagement surface of the grippingportion has a plurality of protrusions adapted to engage a surface ofthe foundation support when the gripping portion is forced against thefoundation support.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising asecond rotating plate rotatably coupled to the sleeve assembly andoperable to be rotated about a pivot point in a first rotation directionto engage a first end of the second rotating plate with the surface ofthe foundation support.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the firstand second rotating plates are adapted to cooperate to impart opposedpressure against the surface of the foundation support.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising an arm coupled to the firstrotating plate, wherein movement of the arm imparts rotation to thefirst rotating plate.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the arm ishydraulically actuated.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the armmoves in a substantially linear direction corresponding to the directionof driving the support.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the armis adapted to be moved in a first direction to rotate the first rotatingplate to engage the first end with the surface of foundation support,and where additional movement of the arm in the first direction movesthe entire rotating plate in the first direction thereby impartingmovement of the foundation support in the first direction.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein movement of the arm in a first directionrotates the first rotating plate into an engagement position andmovement of the arm in a second direction rotates the first rotatingplate into a disengagement position.
 15. An apparatus for installing afoundation support, the apparatus comprising: a sleeve assembly having asleeve adapted to receive and guide the foundation support, a firstrotating plate rotatably coupled to the sleeve assembly and having afirst end adapted to engage an outer surface of the foundation supportwhen the first rotating plate is rotated in a first direction.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the first rotating plate is adapted to berotated in a first direction into an engagement position and in a seconddirection into a disengagement position.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15,further comprising a second rotating plate rotatably coupled to thesleeve assembly and having a first end adapted to engage the outersurface of the foundation support.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein the first and second rotating plates are adapted to be rotatedin opposed directions to engage the first ends of the respective firstand second rotating plates with a surface of the foundation support. 19.A method of driving a foundation support comprising: disposing thefoundation support within a sleeve of a drive head wherein the drivehead is positioned at a first point relative to the foundation support,the drive head having at least one rotating plate adapted to be rotatedin a first direction to force an end of the at least one rotating plateagainst a surface of the foundation support to grip the foundationsupport; rotating the at least one rotating plate in a first directionto impart engagement of the rotating plate with the foundation support;moving the drive head in a first direction to drive the foundationsupport into strata; and rotating the at least one rotating plate in asecond direction to disengage the rotating plate from the surface of thefoundation support.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising thestep of moving the drive head in a second direction to position thedrive head at a second relative to the foundation support.